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Chiaki Uchiyama Ed.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Ed.D. program in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University.

Dissertation Committee:

Roshmi Mishra, Ph.D., Committee Chair

Torin Finser, Ph.D., Committee Member

Lesley Jackson, Ph.D. Committee Member

Keywords

Waldorf education, Anthroposophy, heart-thinking leadership, third space, embodied inclusion, Manichaeism, Indigenous feminism, African spirituality, Steiner, Damásio, Spinoza, Emerson, dialectics, hierarchies, social renewal, Polyvagal theory, mind-body integration, intuition in leadership, transformative leadership, transdisciplinary education

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This study explores heart-thinking leadership as a transformative approach to dismantling elitism, hierarchy, and binary structures in education, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Grounded in insights from Damásio, Spinoza, Emerson, Hegelian dialectics, and wisdom traditions such as Manichaeism, African spirituality, and Indigenous feminism, it examines how third space thinking fosters inclusivity and dynamic leadership. By integrating intuition, intellect, and relational awareness, heart-thinking leadership moves beyond rigid dualisms—mind and body, self and other, power and subjugation—to cultivate a holistic way of knowing. This perspective critiques conventional DEI models that reinforce binaries of oppressor and oppressed, advocating instead for an embodied, relational, and intuitive approach to inclusion. It challenges hierarchical leadership in favor of shared power, deep listening, and interconnected decision-making, ensuring diverse voices are genuinely valued. By incorporating third-space thinking into DEI efforts, this study shifts the focus from performative inclusivity to meaningful transformation, fostering environments of mutual growth, compassionate engagement, and social renewal. Ultimately, it envisions leadership, education, and DEI as deeply embodied practices that promote individuality, collective empowerment, and freedom. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Comments

ORCID No. 0009-0003-7945-1970

Bio: Chiaki Uchiyama was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan. After moving to the United States, she began her teaching career at a Waldorf School in Portland Oregon, where she taught Japanese language for 21 years and served as Pedagogical Director beginning in 2018. In 2022, she joined another K-12 Waldorf School as Pedagogical Director and currently as School Director.

Since 2010, Chiaki has led annual Waldorf language teacher conferences for Japanese educators and has facilitated a wide array of pedagogical workshops. Her professional contributions include presentations for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN), the Center for Anthroposophy, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference, and the NAIS Continental Conference.

Chiaki earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Waldorf Education from Antioch University. Her doctoral research, titled Heart-Thinking Leadership, explores diversity, equity, and inclusion through the lens of anthroposophy. The study examines a consciousness orientation that moves beyond binary frameworks, aiming instead to cultivate unity as an organic and evolving whole.

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